Regarding the letter to the editor "Eliminate corporate taxes" (Page B6, Thursday), the elimination of taxes on corporate income could help U.S. businesses in competing with foreign companies and would eliminate double taxation on income passed along to the investors through payment of dividends. Corporate income should be taxed, however, to the extent it is retained by the corporations. In other words, a deduction should be allowed corporations to the extent dividends are paid out of retained earnings and are taxable to the shareholders.

There would no longer be a need for reduced tax rates on dividends received and capital gains now allowed to help offset the double taxation.

A lower tax rate could be allowed for capital gains on investments held for at least five years. That would reduce the tax effect on investments that appreciated in value over five years, which otherwise might have been taxed at a lower bracket had the appreciation been taxed in the years incurred.

Also, for many years investors have been limited to a deduction of only $3,000 a year for net capital losses incurred. That should be increased to a limit of say $25,000 or $50,000 to be fair.

Gurney Stephens, Katy

Listen closely

Regarding "Lawmakers need to stop the hemorrhaging at Texas hospitals" (Page D1, Wednesday), State Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, was quoted as saying, "My intention... is to start a conversation that will give us an accurate picture of who the uninsured are, what services are available to those individuals, and find ways to fill in the gaps in services in a fiscally responsible manner." I would say to the senator: That conversation started a long, long time ago. It's a shame you haven't been listening.

James R. Cato, Kingwood

Bad optics

Regarding "Whitmire, UH chancellor tangle via text - but remain allies" (Page B1, Wednesday), it's easy to read Lisa Falkenberg's column and conclude that state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, is nothing but a crusty, honest man of the people for the way he treated University of Houston Systems Chancellor Renu Khator over her decision to mandate that more students live on campus rather than commute from home. Whitmire may well have had good intentions, but he came across as a self-centered bully. This type of behavior should not be encouraged in our public officials.

Pete Smith, Houston

Redistricting

Regarding "Redistricting trial arguments close" (Page B5, Wednesday), reading about the closing arguments in the redistricting trial in San Antonio, I was taken aback by the state's defense that the redistricting wasn't intentional discrimination, but merely aimed at incumbent protection and attempting to secure Republican seats in the GOP-led legislature.

It's hard to imagine a weaker defense to a discrimination charge than admitting to the lesser crime of gerrymandering.